“Acquiring art in an unscrupulous manner.” That’s quite the phrase isn’t it? It’s connected to the story of the Deer Sculpture, or rather, deer sculptures, here in Salt Lake City. These weren’t just any deer. These were bronze deer statues that once graced a residential area in Sugar House.
The Deer Sculpture theft occurred between January 14th and 15th in 2019. Can you believe someone would steal such a thing? It’s a bizarre story involving missing statues, police investigations, and a public appeal for information.
Police released photos of the Deer Sculpture. They hoped someone would recognize them. They also released photos of persons of interest and a possible suspect vehicle, a green SUV. The police even tweeted about it. They were looking for Taylor Loveless, age 28. They wanted to talk with him about acquiring art in an unscrupulous manner. Case number 19-8691.
Another person of interest was shown in surveillance footage. He wore a black baseball hat with a red logo, a gray hoodie with a tan jacket, and gray sweatpants. That person remains unidentified to this day.
The story takes an even stranger turn. An attempt was made to sell the cut-down statues to a metal recycler. Thankfully, the statues were still outstanding. The police urged anyone with information to come forward.
This Deer Sculpture theft reminds us that art, even when displayed publicly, is vulnerable. It highlights the importance of community vigilance and the dedication of law enforcement. They work to recover stolen pieces and bring those responsible to justice.
While the story of the Deer Sculpture theft has a somewhat unresolved ending, it serves as a reminder. Art enriches our lives and we must protect it. It also shows the surprising turns that a simple sculpture can take in the city. So next time you see a piece of public art, remember the story of the bronze deer. Remember the “unscrupulous manner,” and appreciate the art around you.